Les and Margaret Honey built La Junta Livestock, Inc. and began the business of auctioning cattle in 1955. Passed down to their son Don, and his wife Janet Honey, the livestock remains a family affair and is still thriving with the help of their children, brothers Jace and Keo, sister Cassie, and her husband Brian. The dedication and commitment to the family business doesn’t end there. On any given day, Colt, Chance, Raleigh, and Trey, fourth-generation Honeys, can be found at the livestock pitching in.

La Junta Livestock Inc., honors Arkansas Valley Hospice, Inc. each year at their anniversary sale by auctioning a calf, with the proceeds benefiting hospice’s many programs. “My family began the calf auction in the mid eighties to honor my grandma (Margaret Honey). We wanted to give something back to hospice after they took care of her,” said Jace Honey.

The calf auction, now in its 27th year, has become a community event in Arkansas Valley. “This is an event where everyone really comes together to support us. Ark Valley Hospice will not refuse anyone, despite their ability to pay for services, and the proceeds from the calf auction really help,” said Shamay Smith, Administrative Coordinator at Arkansas Valley Hospice, Inc. In 2005, The Williams family began donating the calf for auction in memory of their loved one Ronnie Williams.

Arkansas Valley Hospice, Inc, started in 1985, is a non-profit organization. AVH serves community members in Otero, Crowley, Bent, Pueblo, Las Animas, and Lincoln County, providing hospice, palliative, and respite care. The mission of Arkansas Valley Hospice, Inc. is to support people in the final phases of life, comfort the grieving, and educate the community about end of life care.